predictable tourists

i'm happy to confirm that my cousins (kate, jase and shireen) are well and truly predictable travellers.

forbes traveller has compiled the 50 most visited tourist attractions in the world, with times square (pictured above) reigning number one and boasting over 35 million visitors a year. much like the 35 million before them, my cousins are currently on a US road trip, making their way to the big apple to see what all the fuss is about.

personally, i found the study quite interesting, and had a little giggle at the confirmed "tourist industry truisms":

A) americans love to travel, but they prefer to stick within their own borders.

B) wherever Mickey Mouse goes, he conquers.

C) paris is the unofficial cultural theme park of the world.

D) niagara falls isn’t just for lovers anymore.

racking through the list i realised what a diverse and beautiful world we live in. moan, groan. cheese. i know. but it's true! we are very lucky humans.

among my favouritist of the 50 most favourites are definitely:

number 9: Notre Dame de Paris, Paris, France

12 million visitors a year

number 38: Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

more than 4 million visitors per year

number 39: The Coliseum, Rome, Italy

4 million visitors per year

number 47: Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

3 million visitors per year

and i can't believe it's in the 50th spot!

Taj Mahal, Agra, India with 2.4 million visitors per year

anyway, if you're planning a holiday, i guess this list is a fabulous place to start.

ps take me with you please?

travel bugged,

tash